Events

Spring Awakening at Lynn Woods EVENT AT CAPACITY Apr, 29

EVENT AT CAPACITY. REGISTRATION CLOSED.

This month's partner hiking event takes us to Lynn Woods, one of the largest municipal parks in the country.

Greenbelt joins with the Friends of the Lynn Woods to explore the vast forests, reservoirs and trails of historic Lynn Woods.

The Woods, founded in 1881, offers over 30 miles of scenic trails for hiking, running, horseback riding, mountain biking, cross-country skiing, and nature walks. 

Dungeon Rock is a well-loved underground tunnel with a history of pirate lore and treasure seekers. 

When: April 29, 1 to 3 pm      

Where: Lynn Woods Reservation, Lynn

FREE

Directions to Main Entrance: Take Walnut Street to Pennybrook Road.  Follow Pennybrook Road to the entrance to the reservation.

Bay Circuit Discovery - Rescheduled May, 02

NEW DATE: 

The Y Connection Walk is led by Liz Armstrong and takes us on a trek on trails canopied by a Hardwood-Hemlock-White Pine forest, covering a section of the Bay Circuit Trail.

Pass through two 19^th century granite quarries on this point-to-point (not a loop) walk to experience the BCT.  We’ll use “car spotting” to arrange transportation between the two points.

FREE

Where:  Harold Parker State Forest, North Andover

When:  May 2, 9:30 - 11:30 am

DIRECTIONS:

Park in Pavillion Parking Lot, on Middleton Road,
this is NOT the Main Office Parking Lot.

Coming from Andover:  Take Salem Street across Jenkins Road, which then becomes Middleton Road in North Andover. Just past the Andover Sportsmen's Club, the parking lot is on your right.  Look for Greenbelt sign.

Coming From Middleton: 
Take Route 114 to Harold Parker Road and take Harold Parker Road to end / stop sign and turn right. Parking is on left.  If you come to the Andover Sportsmen's Club, you have gone too far.  Look for Greenbelt sign.

APPROXIMATE GPS Location:

42°37'13.2"N    71°04'58.0"W

Family Vernal Pool Outing May, 05

Visit a number of vernal pools and surrounding areas in search of egg masses and amphibians with environmental educator Andrew Prazar.

Learn why vernal pools are threatened habitats, and the lifecycles of the unique organisms that depend on them.

Program limited to maximum of 20 people. Recommended ages are 6 and older.

FREE

When:  May 5, 2 - 4pm

Where: Farnsworth Reservation, North Andover

Use South Bradford Street Entrance

Directions & Parking

From Route 95/Exit 53/Route 97N:

Go north on Route 97. In 0.2 miles, turn left onto Service Road. In 0.5 miles, turn right onto Ipswich Road. In 4.8 miles, continue on Dale Street. In 1 mile, turn left onto Coventry Lane. In 0.5 miles, turn right onto South Bradford Street. 

Parking is 0.25 miles ahead on the left. Park on shoulder of road.

Mill Pond Hike May, 17

This month’s Y Connections Walk takes us to the Mill Pond Conservation Area in West Newbury.

This is the largest trail network in West Newbury and is 270 acres in size.  It’s popular with hikers, dog walkers and horseback riders, and skating on the pond in winter.  

FREE

WHERE:  Mill Pond Conservation Area, West Newbury

WHEN:  May 17, 9:30 am - 11:30 am

DIRECTIONS & PARKING:  Mill Pond Conservation Area is located on Route 113 (Main Street) in West Newbury.  Park in the Middle Parking Lot.   

Approximate Google Maps Location:  https://goo.gl/maps/HYKME62wLCE2

Family Pollinator Day May, 19

There’s so much to learn about pollinators!

This Pollinator Day, join Greenbelt for kid-friendly activities to learn about the important insects and mammals that are part of the pollinator cycle. Kids will enjoy:

• A pollinator scavenger hunt
• Creating their own pollinator garden seed kit
• Building a mason bee house and more.

Weather permitting, there will be an introduction to the Cox Reservation bees with a hive opening. 

WHEN:  Saturday, May 19, 10am - 1 pm

WHERE:  Cox Reservation, 82 Eastern Avenue, Essex

FREE

Interested gardeners are encouraged to stay for “Pollinator Friendly Pest Control in the Residential Garden” lecture, geared towards adult gardeners, from 1-2 PM. 

Pollinator Friendly Pest Control in the Residential Garden May, 19

Capping off Pollinator Day, join local experts Randy Johnson and Mike Garvey as they discuss how to garden with an eye towards helping pollinators, from planting to control pests naturally to selecting plants that will encourage a healthy pollinator community. This lecture discuss pollination and how it works, common garden pests and pollinator-friendly ways to control them, and an overview on what to look for when choosing garden materials that will not harm pollinators.

There is much to learn, and this lecture aims to plant seeds of ideas to make your garden pollinator-friendly. A Q&A will be held at the end, and relevant handouts will be available.

 This lecture is geared towards adult gardeners.

WHEN:  Saturday, May 19, 1 - 2pm

WHERE:  Cox Reservation, 82 Eastern Avenue, Essex

FREE

Forest Bathing Workshop May, 20

Nadine Mazzola will lead us in a Forest Bathing workshop, a multi-sensory experience in nature.  The practice originated in Japan where it is called shinrin-yoku.

Mazzola, a certified Forest Therapy Guide, trainer and mentor, will explain why taking a leisurely walk in the woods is proven by scientists to benefit physical as well as mental health. Its positive effects are said to last a month following each weekend in the woods. 

Forest Bathing was recently the subject of Windows to the World.  Watch Video 

WHERE:  Julia Bird Reservation, Ipswich

WHEN:  May 20, 9:30 am - 12:30 pm

FEE: $25

DIRECTIONS & PARKING:  Click Here

Eyes on Owls with Special Member Pricing Jun, 02

Eyes On Owls will share the field marks, signs and naturalist’s skills that you can use to see wild owls without disturbing them, while introducing you to six live owls up close. 

Explore the world of owls with two talented naturalists and their six lively owls on a beautiful summer day at ifarm!

WHERE:  iFarm, Boxford

WHEN:  June 2, 1:00 – 2:00pm

$18 Fee, but preregister with coupon code and pay $10.

Tickets are required for any child over 3 years old.

To purchase tickets, click here .  Use the code OWLS2018 for an $8 discount.

Directions & Parking

iFarm is located at 55 Towne Road, off Main Street in East Boxford.

National Trails Day Hike Jun, 02

Join Greenbelt for this monthly walk at the Tompson Street Reservation in Gloucester.

This guided hike covers moderate to challenging terrain beginning at the Mt. Jacob Cemetery entrance.

DIRECTIONS: From Route 128/Exit 14/Route 133, go west on Route 133. In 0.35 miles, turn right onto Fernald Street. Trailhead and parking are 0.1 miles ahead on the right, at Mount Jacob Cemetery. 

GPS LOCATION: Latitude 42.623, Longitude -70.726

Art in the Barn Jun, 08

Join us for the 29th annual Art in the Barn benefit art exhibit and sale at the beautiful Cox Reservation in Essex, MA! 

This year the event will take place Friday, June 8th - Sunday, June 10th. 

Visit www.ecga.org/artinthebarn for more info

Interested in volunteering or applying to be an artist in the show? Email Shelley at shelley@ecga.org for more information.

Reptiles and Amphibians Jun, 16

Wetlands are a hotbed of activity in mid-June and this program will focus specifically on the amphibians and reptiles that make ponds and streams their home.

We will look for nesting turtles, tadpoles, and snakes that may be patrolling the shoreline.

Families will learn the key differences between reptiles and amphibians, and hopefully will begin to be able to identify specific species.

Program Limited to Maximum of 20 people.  Recommended ages are 6 and older.

FREE

When:  June 16, 4 - 6pm

Where: Arthur Ewell Reservation, Rowley

Directions & Parking

From Route 95:

Take exit 54 east toward Rowley on Route 133. Proceed 0.9 mile on Route 133. The driveway to the Ewell Reservation is on the left.

From Rowley:

From the intersection of Routes 1 and 133, head west on Route 133 for 1.9 miles. The driveway to the Ewell Reservation is on the right, between the "133" and "slow children" signs.

Hike Among the Laurels Jun, 21

This month’s brisk Y Connections Walk takes us to Maudslay State Park.

Join Ranger Donna Sudak as we explore Maudslay State Park’s 19th century gardens and plantings, rolling meadows, towering pines, and one of the largest naturally-occurring stands of mountain laurel in Massachusetts. 

FREE

WHERE:  Maudslay State Park, Newburyport

Paid Parking lot:  74 Curzon Mill Road, Newburyport, MA 01950

Directions

WHEN:  June 21, 9:30 – 11:30 am.

Introduction to Invasive Insects Jun, 21

When: Thursday, June 21, 7:00-8:30pm

Where: Cox Reservation Barn, 82 Eastern Avenue, Essex

Join Essex County Greenbelt's Land Stewardship team and guest, Javier Marin, the Forest Pest Outreach Coordinator, from the Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources for a free introduction, and learn what you can do to help combat the threat of these pests. Followed by a Q & A session. 

We will also be distributing free educational outreach materials to help spread awareness. 

Guided Paddle on Ipswich River Jun, 24

June is a beautiful time on the Ipswich River and the Ipswich River Watershed Association will guide our exploration.

We’ll start at Riverbend, what many people say is the most beautiful and least frequented stretch of the river.  It doesn’t matter whether you’re an expert or a novice – the Ipswich River Watershed provides many opportunities to observe a great variety of birds. 

Kayaks and Canoes are limited, bring your own if possible.

WHERE:  Riverbend, Ipswich

WHEN:  June 24, 1:00 – 3:00 pm

FREE

Directions:  Look for the sign at 143 County Rd (Route 1A) in Ipswich. 

Pingree Run for the Hills 5K or 10K Trail Run Jul, 14

This race offers both a 5K and a 10K race.

The 10K distance is part of the 2018 New England Running Company Trail Series. The race course winds through the beautiful wooded hills behind the Pingree School.

WHEN:  July 14, Saturday

WHERE: Pingree Reservation, Hamilton

TIME:  9:00am Race Start

Register online

Online registration ends: July 11 at Noon

Race Day Registration: 7:30-8:45 am

T-Shirt: Register by June 14 to guarantee a t-shirt

FEE:  $25 member/$30 non-member. *10K part of the 2018 North Shore Endurance Trail Series

Race Site: Pingree Reservation/Pingree School, 537 Highland Street, South Hamilton

Race Registration Form

Bald Hill Conservation Area Hike Jul, 19

This month’s Y Connections Hike takes us to the Bald Hill Conservation Area in Boxford and Middleton.

Richard Lombard will lead the 3-mile hike along woodland trails exploring the reservation's ecology and wildlife. The hike will take us along Towne Pond that has been shaped by beaver activity. We will pass a beaver lodge and a beaver deceiver that prevents flooding on the trail and to the residential development on the northwest section of the pond. 

WHEN:  Thursday, July 19

WHERE:  Bald Hill Reservation, Boxford and Middleton.  Meet at the Sharpner’s Pond Parking area on Sharpner’s Pond Road in Middleton.

TIME:   9:30 - 11:00am

FREE

DIRECTIONS & PARKING

From 95, take Ext 51 and go west on Endicott St/Middleton Rd and in 0.9 miles turn right on Peabody Street. In 1.2 miles turn right on Liberty Street. In 0.5 miles Liberty St becomes North Liberty St. Follow North Liberty St for 2.1 miles and turn right on Sharpner’s Pond Road. The parking area is 0.1 miles ahead. From the intersection of Route 114 and Sharpner’s Pond Rd in Middleton, go northeast Sharpner’s Pond Rd. Parking area is 1.7 miles ahead on left.

Plum Island Beach Tour Jul, 29

Join acclaimed local science writer and environmentalist Bill Sargent for our monthly walk and a tour of the history and environmental significance of this fragile barrier beach paradise. 

Sargent, a consultant for the NOVA science series on PBS, is the author of 20 books about science and the environment.

Plum Island is among the most vulnerable barrier islands and often suffers significant damage during severe storms.

WHEN:  July 29, Thursday

WHERE:  Plum Island, Newburyport, Newbury

TIME:  2 - 4pm

FREE

Dogtown Connections - Carter Reservation and Beyond Aug, 16

Discover the dense woodlands and final resting places for rocky debris left behind by melting glaciers over 10,000 years ago with Y Connections Hiking Club. 

This reservation shares a remarkable natural and human history with the city-owned Dogtown Common, which connects to its trails. Enormous glacial erratics rest within a mixed hardwood forest.

Many huge boulders, which were dragged south from as far away as Newfoundland, still look as if they have just dropped from the sky onto a foreign land.

WHEN:  August 16, Thursday

WHERE:  Carter Reservation, Gloucester

TIME:  9:30 - 11:30 am.

FREE

Location

Dennison Street, Gloucester

GPS Location

Latitude 42.651236, Longitude -70.660462

Directions & Parking

From 128N/Grant Circle in Gloucester:

Take 3rd rotary exit onto Route 127 going north. In 2.2 miles, just after the causeway bridge, turn right onto Goose Cove Lane/Dennison Street. Trailhead and parking are 0.65 miles ahead on the right.

Park at the Greenbelt sign at the end of Dennison Street. Parking is limited to three cars.

Introductory Mushroom Identification Class Aug, 18

Join expert Gary Gilbert of the Boston Myological Club for an introductory class in mushroom identification.  

This will be followed the next day with an intermediate class in mushroom identification. (See separate event listing.)

WHERE:  Cox Reservation, Essex

WHEN:  August 18, Saturday

TIME:  10:00 - 11:30 am

$10 Fee Payable on Site  (Separate fee for next day.)

Intermediate Class in Mushroom Identification Aug, 19

Join expert Gary Gilbert of the Boston Myological Club for an intermediate class in mushroom identification.  

Participants may wish to attend the introductory mushroom identification class being held the previous day, August 18.  (See separate event listing.)

WHERE:  Cox Reservation, Essex

WHEN:  August 19, Sunday

TIME:  10:00 - 11:30 am

$10 Fee Payable on Site (Separate fee for previous day class.)

Beverly Commons Trail Run Aug, 25

This is a challenging 3.5 Mile Loop thru the woods of Beverly Commons. The 7 Mile race is part of the 2018 North Shore Endurance Trail Series. Proceeds support Greenbelt’s land conservation work throughout Essex County.

WHEN:  August 25, Saturday

WHERE:  Beverly Commons

RACE START: 9am Start

FEE:   $25 member/$30 non-member

Register online

Online registration ends: August 22 at Noon.

Race Day Registration: 7:30 - 8:45 am

Race Site: Beverly Commons Conservation Area, Greenwood Ave. Beverly

T-Shirt: Register by July 25 to guarantee a T-Shirt

Race Registration Form

Directions & Parking

From Route 128 to exit 17

Go south on Grapevine Road/Hart Street toward Beverly Farms. In 1.25 miles, turn right onto Greenwood Avenue. Trailhead and parking are 0.3 miles ahead.

Park to the right on Stone Ridge Road. Please do not block the gate.

Insects Sep, 15

Using nets and bug boxes, families will explore fields in search of insects.

Special attention will be paid to differing insect lifecycles as well as how some insects are masters of camouflage.

Families will be encouraged to design and hide their own insect to see how well they can use camouflage.

Program Limited to Maximum of 20 people.  Recommended ages are 6 and older.

FREE

When:  September 15, 10 am - noon

Where:  Cox Reservation, Essex

Directions & Parking

From Route 128/Exit 15/School Street:

Go north on School Street/Southern Ave. towards Essex. In 3 miles, turn right onto Route 133/Eastern Avenue. In 0.5 miles, turn left at the Greenbelt sign. 

From intersection of Route 22/Route 133 in Essex:

Go east on Route 133/Main Street. In 0.5 miles, bear left onto on Route 133/Eastern Avenue. In 0.5 miles, turn left at the Greenbelt sign. 

Tour de Greenbelt Cycle for Land Conservation Sep, 29

Cycling enthusiasts of all abilities can ride through some of Essex County’s most beautiful landscapes in this annual road cycle event to benefit local land conservation.

Whether a seasoned road cyclist or a beginner, you can enjoy at your own pace one of three routes offered by Tour de Greenbelt: a half-century (50 miles) and a shorter route (25 miles), and new this year, a 37-mile Gravel Grinder Route. 

The routes showcase more than 50 of Greenbelt’s exquisite conserved properties.

WHEN:  September 29, Saturday

WHERE:  Cox Reservation, Essex

TIME: 9:00am Start

REGISTRATION OPENS IN MARCH